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This morning Rev. Welsch is going to speak to us on some selected verses from chapter two of the book of First John. Last week we set the stage by saying that this book was written to "reaffirm the beliefs of the community during a time of spiritual upheaval or confusion," which is a feeling we understand today. The author we call John uses themes that are familiar to us from the Gospel of John; themes of word and light and love and truth. There are also strong statements in here about sin, meant to correct the false teaching of some people who were trying to lead the community astray.

This morning we begin a five week study on the book of First John. Earlier this year, we spent months in the Gospel of John, and in many ways First John is a companion to that book. Although they share a name, most scholars no longer believe that they were written by the same person. It's more likely that they were written by two people who shared Christian beliefs that were shaped by John. Much of the language and ideas are the same. You will hear themes of light, love and truth. But some things will sound very different, such as direct statements about sin and forgiveness.

This morning we wrap up our study of the book of Ruth, a story about God's faithful loving-kindness and redemption, set in ancient Israel when chieftains ruled the 12 tribes. This book is like an ancient Jane Austen novel that starts with tragedy and, as you'll hear in just a minute, ends with a wedding and a baby. Remember that last week Ruth went to meet Boaz in the middle of the night and asked him to act as kinsmen-redeemer for her and Naomi, to protect and provide for them as members of his family.

Our guest preacher today is Lisa Ho, associate chaplain at Ohio Wesleyan University. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in communications from Ball State University and a Master of Arts in higher education from Geneva College. She joined the Chaplain’s staff at Ohio Wesleyan in 2004. At OWU, Lisa serves in various capacities. As an associate chaplain, she provides support and guidance to the Christian student groups while mentoring numerous students one on one.

This morning we are continuing our series on the book of Ruth. Ruth is an Old Testament book set in the time of the Judges, when the Bible says everyone did what was right in their own eyes, before Israel had a king and instead chieftains ruled 12 tribes. It's like a play. In Act 1, Naomi and her family move from Israel to Moab because of a famine. While there, her husband and sons die, leaving behind Naomi and the sons' wives, Orpah and Ruth. Hearing that the famine in Israel has ended, Naomi decides to return there.

This morning we begin a new series on the book of Ruth. This book takes place during the summer and is traditionally read during the Jewish season of Shavuot, which Christians celebrate as Pentecost. Let's set the stage. I'd like you to imagine a small country where the rule of law is weak, and strong men prey on weak women and children. Security is found in networks of extended family who try to care for one another as best they can. The people survive mainly on what they can grow and earn from day to day. And then an even greater disaster: a famine.

This is our final week in the letter from Paul to the church at Philippi. Last week we talked about how God invites us to be motivated by love and not by fear. We are called to follow the example of Jesus who modeled God's righteousness, extending love to all. As we wrap up this letter, we will consider what our life together looks like when put together all these themes of joy, gratitude, unity, humble love, and God's righteousness.

This morning's passage is from a letter from the apostle Paul to the Christians gathered in the city of Philippi. For several weeks we have been exploring the themes of this letter: joy, gratitude, unity, humble love, righteousness. This morning is part two of the Scripture we looked at together last week. If you missed it, that's OK. We're going to read the whole passage with last week's verses to hear the progression of Paul's thoughts. As this letter builds in logic and intensity, these Scriptures are the high point.

This morning we continue with our series studying the letter from the apostle Paul to the Christians gathered in the city of Philippi. As I have mentioned, this was not a church comprised of Jewish Christians, but of non-Jewish or Gentile Christians, people who did not grow up following Jewish laws. Ironically, Paul is in prison but he's writing to encourage them! In this letter he encourages them to choose joy regardless of their circumstances. He invites them to transcend their differences by being like-minded in their commitment to Jesus as Lord.

Our guest preacher today is Reverend Gwen Thomas, an avowed Liberation Theologian and Womanist. She is ordained by the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries and licensed in United Church of Christ. Gwen serves as an associate minister at Rehoboth Fellowship Atlanta UCC. At Rehoboth, Gwen is a part of the Worship Planning Team. She also facilitates leadership development training. Additionally, Gwen is the former Conference Moderator and ONA (Open and Affirming) consultant for the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ.

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Recent Message

This morning Rev. Welsch is going to speak to us on some selected verses from chapter two of the book of First John. Last week we set the stage by saying that this book was written to "reaffirm the beliefs of the community during a time of spiritual upheaval or confusion," which is a feeling we understand today. The author we call John uses themes that are familiar to us from the Gospel of John; themes of word and light and love and truth. There are also strong statements in here about sin, meant to correct the false teaching of some people who were trying to lead the community astray. John's goal is to build up the community, to make it loving and healthy, and our reading this morning is a direct continuation from last week, when we talked about the freedom that follows confession. So before I read this morning's text, hear again these few verses from the end of chapter 1: